The conviction of former Illinois governor George Ryan on eighteen counts of conspiracy, tax fraud, racketeering - what have you, has touched off a great deal of "who's next" speculation regarding the wide-ranging corruption hunt being led by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. The Ryan trial, which lasted six months had been preceded by eight years of investigation regarding his alledged corrupt activities. A trial date is already set for former Robert Sorich, former "patronage chief" under Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who is charged, along with three others for using fraudulent means to subvert a court order barring political patronage in the filling of key city jobs.

Much more on what to expect out of the Fitzgerald investigation and details on Ryan's plan to appeal, via CBS2Chicago.com.

-- MDT